Improvement in fence-posts



G. B. St. JOHN.

FENCE-POST.

NO. 191,485, Patented May 29,1877.

ATTOR N EY ".PETERS. FHDTULITHOGRAPHEH, WASHINGTON". D C,

UNITED STATES PATENT OEEIoE.

GARLAND B. ST. JOHN, OF CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA.

IMPROVEMENT IN FENCE-POSTS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 191,485. dated May 29, 1877; application filed April 17, 1877'.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GARLAND B. ST. JOHN, of Cedar Rapids, in the county of Linn and State of Iowa, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Iron FencevPosts, of which the following is a specification:

Figure l is a perspective of the device. Fig. 2 is a vertical central section from front to rear. Fig. 3 is a top-plan view.

The object of the present invention is to produce a metallic fence-post which shall combine cheapness in construction, lightness, and great strength; and it consists, more particularly, in a post having an open or rectangular construction, sometimes popularly called truss form and provided with strengthening flanges and braces, and stiffening ribs or corrugations, all as will now be more in detail set out and explained.

In the accompanying drawing, A denotes the post proper, having a pointed lower end, A, provided at its upper part with stifleningribs a, so adapted or applied in front and sides as to afiord the greatest resistance at the point of greatest strain when the post is run against by any opposing force. I have not found it necessary to extend these to the very end of the post, because this construction is not absolutely needed to accomplish the end above explained.

The upper part of the post, or that portion which stands out of the ground, is made of truss formthat is, of open or rectangular construction-and has thin vertical flanges a on each side, and at right angles with the face a of the post.

In the front face of the post are openings B, and at the top and bottom of each of these are curved bands or connecting-straps G, the upper being merely 'a strap or piece in that form, while the lower is close at the bottom, and unites here with a horizontal stiffeningbrace, c, which extends on the inside of the web from the side flange, and at right angles therewith, uniting them firmly and rigidly together. The said connecting-straps 0 have a horizontal slot, 0, cut-quite through their periphery,

(or between them,) thus affording an easy and convenient seat in which to rest the wire of the fence, where it can be readily secured and fastened in any well-known ways or means. Any convenient number of these seats may be thus provided.

The advantages of this form of construction are many and very important, not only in mere detail of manufacture, but in method of use and in cost. By the peculiar shape and construction above explained it offers great resistance to breakage; especially is this effected by the deep thin vertical flanges at right angles to the ordinary strain when the post is set in position in the fence. By this construction I have practically about the same strength in the post as if it were solid. The peculiar form demands the smallest amount of metal, and allowing easy and perfect casting. Thus I gain in beauty of appearance, as well as in cost and convenience of manufacture. The post, by its peculiar form, is adapted to be driven into the ground, and rests secure in position when once so placed.

In mere detail of applying said straps or providing the seat for the wire, I may make such modification of present construction as convenience may suggest without departing from my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I consider new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. The metal post A A, having ribs a, flange a, and connecting-straps U, constructed as described, and provided with braces a, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.

2. The post A, having openings B, and connecting straps or pieces 0, provided with fencewire seat 0 and interior brace or web 0, substantially as and for the purposes described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GARLAND B. ST. JOHN.

Witnesses:

R. H. GILMORE, J. M. ST. JOHN. 

